by Norm 53 Replies latest jw friends
Really, Norm! I did read your post, and actually I agree that most western civilizations need to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to human rights. However, it gets a little irritating to read over and over again that Americans are this or that. Isn't it time we grew up and moved past such generalizations? Wouldn't you rather be known as someone who takes each person based on their own merits?
You are beginning to make me think that all Norwegians are racist.
Jan, you crack me up dude. Me American, me neadrathal, me like big guns, me can't spell for shit! You're gonna catch it from the sensitive people for that last post. Wish I knew some Norway jokes.
To the point of the original post:
I agree with the sentiment of it. But it ignores the reality of how the world works and throws practicality out the window. Also it singles out the USA for blame. I'm sure many Western European countries have dealings with countries that have policies contrary to their own. Sure the USA, along with the rest of the civilized world, would like things to change in various parts of the world. But different parts of the world progress faster than others. We just have to find a happy, PRACTICAL medium.
WindRider,
But blatantly putting down a people over and over again, rarely if ever(have you ever on this board?)having atruly good, positive thing to say about Americans, and in such scathing, rude, hurtful terms is not poking harmless fun.
As I said, I try to see the positive in Americans, but you're sure as hell not making it easy here.
- Jan
--
- "How do you write women so well?" - "I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability." (Jack Nicholson in "As Good as it Gets")
Your last comment lost me, Jan. Unless you are playing with Windrider, trying to rile her.
Her point is valid. There is a point where comments go beyond generalizations and into prejudice. I agree that can be a fine line.
Even before I met Windrider on the old H2O, I could see that you do have a prejudice against Americans. I do not see you as hard-hitting (or hitting at all?) on other countries like you are on Americans. And your comments are not just on American policies and politics, but on Americans as a people.
Jan, you know I admire you greatly, but I detect that you are more than a little prejudiced against Americans. Not all, of course, esp. Harmony. But it is there.
Or perhaps it is a persona you like to project...yet, this is not in keeping with your general open-mindedness.
Remember how JW's often talk about homosexuals? The love the sinner and hate the sin crap? Yet, their actions and words show that they are prejudiced? The gay jokes, the "I hope my kid does not become gay" comments, not allowing your kids to have a gay, or "formerly" gay people as a friend, the not having gay people as friends, but willingly having "fornicators" as friends. After a while, people know the truth...the person is a homophobe.
Jan, I suspect that you do have a prejudice against Americans. You seem to apply the same tar brush to most of them. Maybe it is a game, maybe not.
Someday, Windrider and I hope to take a trip to Norway. We are looking to meeting with you, Kent, Norm and Kirsten when we are there, as we expect to have a good time with each of you. Maybe once you meet Windrider you will find that there is one more American who is nice and intelligent and "the exception".
Richard
I think Jan, you have met an American or two that you hold in high esteem. You know we are not all closed-minded, blood-thirsty idiots. In fact, I'd wager you've met at least one American who is easily your equal, maybe more. Just like I am sure there is a Norwegian somewhere who might be able to hold their own with one of strong Irish descent. No proof but will grant the benefit of the doubt for now, generous soul that I am....lol
Regards,
Julie
Um, excuse me, excuse me please?
Isn't this a discussion board about JW-related stuff and friends? While this repartee is mildly interesting, it's not really on point with this board.
Pat
Pat:
That was SUCH an American thing to say!
As for ethics and morals: BAH!! Ethics are bunk. Your view of what is ethical or moral depends entirely upon the direction of your own self-interest. Americans are no different to anyone else in that respect.
Expatbrit
Er, Expatbrit, please explain why that was such an American thing to say.
Pat:
Er, well, um....because ........because......it was direct, to the point, amusing, and generally all round ok and please please don't flame me and get your knickers in a twist and um you see that little smiley thing after my admittedly completely stupid and what a fool i am comment and the smiley usually means i've made a daft comment and please don't hurt me coz i'm really quite a nice guy really and if you do i'll tell your big sister and get her on to your case and i think you're very cool and all around a complete hottie.
Does that explain it?
Expatbrit
LOL, Expatbrit!
